Are vitamins a qualified medical expense?

Asked by: Sydnee Anderson  |  Last update: January 2, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (3 votes)

They include the costs of equipment, supplies, and diagnostic devices needed for these purposes. Medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness. They don't include expenses that are merely beneficial to general health, such as vitamins or a vacation.

Are vitamins a qualified medical expense for HSA?

Most vitamins and supplements are still not covered by HSAs and FSAs.

Are vitamins fees tax deductible?

With the exception of Vitamin B12, vitamins, and supplements do not qualify as a deductible expense, even if prescribed by a licensed physician. This also includes supplements other than Vitamin B12 that require a prescription to purchase.

Are vitamins HSA eligible in 2024?

Vitamins and supplements generally aren't eligible if they're used to maintain general health. If you have a letter from your doctor saying a vitamin or supplement is needed to treat a condition, such as a vitamin deficiency, then the expense may qualify. Prenatal vitamins are HSA-eligible expenses.

Which expenses do not qualify for a medical expense deduction?

Expenses that are not deductible medical expenses include:
  • The portion of your insurance premiums treated as paid by your employer. ...
  • Funeral or burial expenses.
  • Amounts paid for nonprescription medicines.
  • Amounts paid for toothpaste, toiletries, or cosmetics.

Can You Buy Vitamins With A Health Savings Account? - AssetsandOpportunity.org

30 related questions found

Are vitamins tax deductible?

You are not allowed to deduct expenses that are for general health purposes, such as gym memberships, vitamins, and diet food. You also cannot deduct payments for future medical and dental services. Below are some other services and items that are likely not tax deductible: Deodorant.

Is a gym membership a qualified medical expense?

Gym membership costs are qualified medical expenses only if the gym is for the sole purpose of: 1) affecting a structure or function of the body, such as part of a prescribed plan for physical therapy to treat an injury or 2) treating a specific disease diagnosed by a physician such as obesity, hypertension or heart ...

Why are vitamins not HSA eligible?

While this seems straightforward, vitamins are a prime example of a product that can be used for "general health" and is therefore "dual purpose." This means that while the product/service may have a medical use, it is used primarily to promote one's general health and does not treat a specific medical condition.

Can I pay for my gym membership with my HSA?

Generally, the IRS doesn't allow pretax dollars in HSAs or FSAs for gym memberships. This is because they see them as expenses for general well-being rather than medical necessity. However, with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), your HSA or FSA could be used to fund those expenses.

Can you buy an Apple Watch with HSA?

Even though Fitbits and Apple Watches measure important health data, they currently do not qualify for HSA reimbursement, as they are considered for general health use and not intended to treat or manage a specific medical condition.

Is it worth claiming medical expenses on taxes?

The medical expense deduction covers a wide variety of expenses. However, because of the high Standard Deduction and the 7.5% of AGI threshold requirement, it can be difficult to benefit unless you have a lot of out-of-pocket costs.

Is it worth the expense to take extra vitamins?

The medical consensus is that there are no miracles in those bottles. Multiple studies have found that taking extra vitamins and minerals doesn't protect against disease or improve overall health in otherwise healthy people.

How much can I claim without receipts?

$300 maximum claims rule

This rule states that if the total of your work-related expenses is $300 or less (not including car, travel, and overtime meal expenses, which can be claimed separately), you can claim the total amount as a tax deduction without receipts.

What does the IRS consider qualified medical expenses?

Medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body. These expenses include payments for legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners.

Can I buy toothpaste with HSA?

Toothpaste is not eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Can I pay for Noom with my HSA?

Your Noom Med (Telehealth) subscription should be a qualifying medical expense for most HSA/FSA plans. While we're unable to accept direct payments at this time, we can provide you with the documentation needed for reimbursement. When you signed up, you should've received a subscription receipt in your email.

Can I use HSA for dental?

Your HSA also covers expenses for standard dental cleanings and dental check-ups. One thing to keep in mind is that some of these procedures may have a co-payment, so it's important that you check with your dental insurance provider to find out exactly what you'll have to pay out of pocket.

Can I use HSA for glasses?

Yes! You can definitely use funds from your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to purchase prescription glasses. (FSAs and HSAs can be used for many other vision- and eye health-related expenses, too, but we'll discuss that more in a bit.)

Can I use my HSA for a massage?

Your HSA can pay for massage therapy, though you'll likely need a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor. An LMN states what condition the treatment is for, how many sessions you need, and any other relevant details. An HSA may also be used on alternative or holistic treatments, such as: Massage therapy.

Can I use my HSA to pay for vitamins?

Generally, you can't use your HSA to pay for expenses that don't meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease. Nutritional supplements and weight loss programs not prescribed by a physician are examples of expenses that would not be covered by your HSA.

Are tampons HSA eligible?

With the passage of the CARES Act in March 2020, tampons and other menstrual care products are now fully FSA-/HSA-eligible. According to the text of the bill, menstrual care products include, “tampon, pad, liner, cup, sponge, or similar product used by individuals with respect to menstruation…”

Can you use HSA for Tylenol?

Tylenol is eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA). They are not eligible for reimbursement with dependent care flexible spending accounts and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA).

What is not considered a qualified medical expense?

Medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness. They don't include expenses that are merely beneficial to general health, such as vitamins or a vacation.

Is car insurance tax-deductible?

If you only use your car for personal use, then you likely can't deduct your car insurance premiums from your taxable income. Generally, you need to use your vehicle for business-related reasons (other than as an employee) to deduct part of your car insurance premiums as a business expense.

Are supplements deductible as a medical expense?

You typically can't deduct the cost of nonprescription drugs (except insulin) or other purchases for general health, such as toothpaste, health club dues, vitamins, diet food and nonprescription nicotine products. You also can't deduct medical expenses paid in a different year.